Sourcing woven valve sacks from China

Duty on woven polypropylene valve sacks

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 6305 covers sacks and bags used for packing goods. Woven polypropylene strip valve sacks fall within the other woven-sack line, 6305 33 90 00, subject to confirmation of the finished construction. The table shows construction options within that same commodity line, rather than separate tariff classifications.

The supplied tariff record gives 6% duty for goods from China on this line, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import controls recorded. The suspension for certain lined bulk bags under 6305 32 19 00 belongs to a different commodity line; adding a liner to a valve sack does not establish eligibility.

Confirm the commodity code using the material, weave, coating, liner and finished sample. For other sack materials and bulk containers, see the bulk bags and woven sacks guide.

Specify the valve, powder and filling line

Give the factory your filling-spout dimensions, powder characteristics, intended filled weight and stacking method. Specify bag dimensions, fabric weight, coating, liner, valve position, sleeve length and closure method. Agree whether air escapes through the fabric or through perforations, and trial the sack with your actual powder and filling equipment.

For food use, obtain written evidence of compliance with the special rules for plastic food packaging. Ask the supplier to identify the sack, liner and intended contact conditions in the supporting documents. Agree cleanliness, printing position and protection from contamination before production.

Woven polypropylene sacks count towards Plastic Packaging Tax registration even when they contain at least 30% recycled plastic; packaging meeting that recycled-content level is not chargeable for the tax. Keep records showing the materials in the packaging. Check your packaging producer responsibility position before supplying the sacks.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of 5,000 woven polypropylene valve sacks under 6305 33 90 00, invoiced at £3,000 free on board, with £800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £3,800. Duty at 6% is £228. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £4,028, so it is £805.60. Import taxes total £1,033.60; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £228 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Valve fit: measure the sleeve and opening against the approved sample, then check insertion, filling and closure on your equipment.

Fabric and construction: check fabric weight, weave, coating continuity, seams and bottom bonds; compare the finished sack with the agreed specification.

Filled performance: trial filling, handling and stacking with the intended powder; check leakage at the valve, seams and perforations, and inspect for splitting.

Arrival condition: check for dampness, dirt, odour, torn liners and damaged bundles; match batch identification and supplied compliance documents to the delivered sacks.

What goes wrong

A valve that looks correct in a photograph can obstruct the filling spout or leak after withdrawal. Excessive perforation can release fine powder, while inadequate air escape can slow filling. A coating or liner change can alter both behaviours. Approve a filled trial sample, rather than judging an empty sack alone.

Weak seams or bottom bonds may open during handling, and inconsistent fabric weight can change performance between batches. Record acceptance criteria for leakage, dimensions and filled handling in the purchase specification. Compare arrival samples with the approved sample and retain examples of disputed defects.

Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For own-brand ranges, see sourcing for brands.